Self-defense: Important Notes

A lot of martial arts schools and self-defense dojos now offer personalized training as compared to some years ago when the curriculum was much the same with a 300 lbs. guy and a 95 lbs. lady. The change in curricula came in when students and even blackbelts were geating beaten on the streets. Instructors realized that a lot has not been working as planned.

One of the basic realizations in methodology is that there is no one medicine to cure all self-defense infirmities. A 300 lbs guy who can bench press a truck does not need very much tutoring than a weakling 100 lbs. geek. You do not train a 7 year old kid how to punch his way out of a possible kidnapping. It is not only useless but also inane. Even if taught well to be aggressive and ferocious, he will not be able to generate a level of power that can inflict substantial pain to his aggressor. In the streets, Goliath has a certain advantage. A mouse, even with all the "unos" he can muster simply has little chance of winning a over a bored full-sized cat.

So for kids below 12, especially asians with their smaller built, must be taught character and the "spirit" to problem-solve threat situations. A mouse survives not by pitting strength and power against a cat but by "tactical avoidance". The mouse scouts for predators before he goes foraging. He has an escape route. He nestles himself in inaccesible lairs.

One excellent way to survive threat situations is by cooperation. Kids must be taught how to work as a team. A flea is insignificant but as an army it is mighty. Just ask the dog next to you. Siblings and friends must be taught how to work together. 

Tactical avoidance means ensuring kids that they know basic safety measures such as locking doors and not talking to strangers, etc. Another concept is tactical contingency reaction which means kids must know how to seek help, such as memorizing emergency numbers.

Character development entails building confidence and resolve. It entails empowerment phsychologically, emotionally and physically. 

Adults and parents thus must be supportive and nurturing. The real self-defense response for children must come from their adult guardians. It is the responsibility of adults to protect children.